Title
To honor, recognize and celebrate the life of Ernest D. Levert Jr., 1990 - 2025
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WHEREAS, Ernest D. Levert was born on December 10, 1990 in Dallas, Texas and passed away surrounded by loved ones on January 8, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois, after a long journey of healing following sudden ruptured brain aneurysm on April 3, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Levert Jr. was deeply loved by the City of Columbus and embodied the Columbus Way in every aspect of his life. His impact through out the community is undeniable, and his dedication to service and leadership has truly inspired so many in the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, as a cornerstone of the Columbus community, Mr. Levert Jr. founded the Royal Oak Initiative in 2014 to create social change and provide mentoring by utilizing the wisdom of chess to protect, heal, and build community by cultivating collective wellness, mindfulness, and critical thinking; and
WHEREAS, the Royal Oak Initiative sustainably equips under-served populations with the education and the resources needed to eliminate personal and economic challenges as obstacles to reach their greatest potential. Beyond the benefit of developing critical and strategic thinking, the Royal Oak Initiative seeks to use chess as a fun and challenging foundation for stimulating growth in the areas of citizenship, stewardship, and leadership; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Levert Jr. was a proud volunteer at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering from The Ohio State University in 2014, a member of New Leaders Council Columbus Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Columbus Urban League Young Professionals Civic Engagement Committee, and received numerous honors through out his life, including being names as one of Mahogany Columbus’ Most Influential Men of Central Ohio in 2024; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus extends its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Ernest ...
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